Fall Happenings and New Programs at Parents Place Marin

Parents Place in San Rafael has been a valuable resource for countless Marin County parents and families. This fall, they offer a wide variety of programs, from childbirth education to classes for parents and children. Here are a few of their upcoming programs:

Parenting Young Children Through Separation and/or Divorce (0–8 years)

Acquire information and effective skills to manage separation/divorce while keeping your child's best interest in mind. We'll cover these important topics: post-separation parental adjustment, the major factors that affect children's adjustment, how to identify "red flags" for children, when/how to get professional support, parent-child communication, and the co-parenting relationship. With Susan Byrd, LCSW. Monday, September 16, 6:30–8:30 pm. $35. Register here.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk Part 1: Sunday Intensive (3–10 years)

Are you getting worn down by bedtime challenges, morning-rush madness, dawdling, whining, and other challenging behaviors? Do you find yourself too often resorting to threats, bribes, or raised voices? Learn practical strategies to improve cooperation and discipline, strengthen character, and enhance your relationships at home. Based on the bestsellers by Faber and Mazlish, this entertaining workshop consistently receives rave reviews.

Here's what one participant said: "... immensely helpful, practical, and insightful." Usually a four-week series, this workshop is being offered as a one-day intensive for those who can't attend for four
weeks. With Julie King, parent educator and "How to Talk" trainer. Sunday, September 22, 10 am–4:30 pm. $199 per person; $299 per couple. Fee includes $10 workbook. Register here.

Juggling Two (0–10 years)

You’ve finally gotten used to being a parent, you’ve established nice routines, and you’ve even managed to carve out a few hours a week to yourself! But now, a new baby is coming, or already here, and there just isn’t as much time to rest and prepare as there might have been with your first child. Learn more about how to have a smooth transition. During this workshop, we will discuss tips and strategies for preparing the family, behaviors to expect in the first few months, and ways to support healthy sibling relationships. With Bonnie Romanow, BA, childhood development specialist. $35. Monday, October 7, 6:30–8:30 pm. Register here.

New Partnership with Girls Leadership Institute

Also this fall, Parents Place Marin begins a new partnership with Girls Leadership Institute, an amazing organization that hosts parent/daughter workshops based on social and emotional issues. Girls Leadership Institute's Parent/Daughter Workshop series allows parents and daughters to laugh and learn about themselves in a safe environment. They encourage girls and parents to have fun together while learning about friendships, feelings, apologies, and healthy approaches to conflict. Families learn techniques and establish healthy practices that will serve the girls well in elementary school and beyond. Each workshop is one hour long, once a week, for four consecutive weeks.

Grades K/1 Parent & Daughter Series: Tools for Sunny & Cloudy Days with Friends

These workshops provide parents and daughters a place to play, bond, and learn together. Families will learn about leadership and relationship skills through games and stories. They will leave with a common vocabulary for discussing conflict, as well as a set of valuable, concrete skills that both parents and daughters can apply to real-life situations. Each workshop is one hour long, once a week, for four consecutive weeks. $170 includes parent and child tuition and a snack. Mondays, October 28, November 4, 11, and 18, 4:30–5:30 pm. Register here.

Grades 2/3 Parent & Daughter Series: Nine Tools for True Friendship

These workshops help girls and parents have fun together while learning about friendship, feelings, apologies and healthy conflict. Each workshop is 90 minutes long, once a week, for four consecutive weeks. $200 includes parent and child tuition and a snack. Mondays, October 28, November 4, 11, and 18, 6–7:30 pm. Register here.

For more information, and for a full roster of programs and resources, visit www.parentsplaceonline.org/marin; you can call them at (415) 491-7959. Parents Place Marin is located in San Rafael at 600 Fifth Avenue.